Pokémon Trainer
The player’s battle commander, responsible for team selection and tactical decisions across the game’s challenges.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Control Stick | Move the menu cursor and select targets or commands. |
|---|---|
A | Confirm a menu choice or battle command. |
B | Cancel or return to the previous menu. |
Start | Pause or open the pause menu where supported. |
Control notes
Controls apply to the Nintendo 64 version.
Battle commands and menu actions are context-sensitive.
How it plays
How does Pokémon Stadium play?
Battles use first-generation Pokémon rules, including type matchups, statistics, status effects, four-move limits, and turn-based commands. A team may contain up to six Pokémon, while each battle normally allows a smaller selected group.
Players can enter Stadium cups, challenge Gym Leaders and the Elite Four in Gym Leader Castle, practice in Free Battle, or compete in multiplayer. The Transfer Pak adds access to compatible Game Boy Pokémon, while the Game Boy Tower provides a way to play the handheld games on Nintendo 64.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pokémon Stadium?
Build teams around complementary types rather than choosing six powerful Pokémon with overlapping weaknesses. Account for the battle format before selecting a team, because switching and available Pokémon differ between cups.
Use status moves and defensive resistances deliberately, preserve reliable answers to common types, and study opponent teams before committing to a move. In multiplayer, avoid revealing all of your strongest options too early.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockComplete the required Stadium and Gym Leader Castle challenges to unlock Round 2, which provides harder versions of the main competitions.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Check type matchups before every attack.
- 2
Use the practice and Free Battle modes to learn rental Pokémon.
- 3
The Transfer Pak is useful for bringing trained Pokémon from compatible Game Boy games.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A strong showcase for first-generation Pokémon battles, especially with local multiplayer.
The 3D presentation is memorable, but the absence of a full adventure mode can limit its appeal.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0